Subjective age—the age people feel relative to how old they actually are—has long fascinated gerontologists and psychologists. Decades of research have shown that feeling younger than one’s chronological age is consistently linked to better outcomes across the board: lower rates of depression, stronger cognitive performance, greater life satisfaction, and even indicators of slower biological aging. A large cross-sectional study of more than 1,000 community-dwelling adults published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2022 documented relationships between subjective age and physical, mental, and cognitive functioning across the lifespan, while meta-analytic work in the Journals of Gerontology has confirmed robust associations between a younger subjective age and well-being. More recent research has even suggested that people today feel younger than earlier generations did at the same age. Yet despite this rich literature on what subjective age predicts, relatively little attention has been paid to the behavioral mechanisms—the actual things people do—that allow older adults to maintain a youthful self-perception in the first place.

That gap is what Haraguchi and Fujiu set out to fill. Rather than treating subjective age as a static psychological variable, the researchers proposed that it is actively maintained through concrete behaviors, which they grouped under the new label of Feeling Younger Behavior. To build a rigorous measurement tool for this construct, the team first conducted a qualitative study with Japanese older adults, collecting open-ended responses about the activities and experiences that make them feel younger. These responses were then used to generate candidate items for a preliminary FYB scale, drawing on established qualitative methodology to ensure that the resulting questionnaire reflected the lived experience of older Japanese adults rather than researchers’ preconceptions.

The second phase of the research put the new scale to the test. The authors administered an online survey to 216 Japanese adults with a mean age of 70.50 years, a sample drawn from one of the fastest-aging societies in the world. Japan’s Cabinet Office reports that the proportion of the population aged 65 and older continues to climb, making the question of how to promote well-being in later life a national priority—and making Japan an ideal natural laboratory for studying the psychology of aging.

Using exploratory factor analysis, a statistical technique that identifies clusters of related survey items reflecting underlying dimensions, the researchers discovered that Feeling Younger Behavior is not a single monolithic phenomenon. Instead, it comprises two distinct factors. The first, which the team labeled “self-continuity,” captures behaviors that sustain a sense of connection between one’s past and present self—activities that keep long-standing interests, relationships, and routines alive. This factor resonates strongly with Atchley’s classic Continuity Theory of Normal Aging, published in The Gerontologist in 1989, which holds that successful aging depends on preserving consistent patterns of thinking, behavior, and relationships across time. The second factor, “self-regulation,” reflects behaviors involving active self-management and discipline—efforts to keep oneself capable, organized, and in control of daily life.

The study’s structural model analysis, a form of statistical modeling that tests hypothesized pathways among variables simultaneously, produced findings that are both encouraging and instructive. Smartphone use was positively associated with both FYB factors: the standardized path coefficient was 0.35 for self-continuity (p < .001) and 0.24 for self-regulation (p < .001). In practical terms, older adults in the sample who used smartphones more extensively reported engaging more frequently in both kinds of youthful-feeling behaviors. The technology appears to act as a gateway or enabler, supporting the everyday activities through which seniors construct and maintain a younger subjective age.

But here is where the results take a more nuanced turn. When the researchers traced the pathways from the two FYB factors to mental health outcomes—measured as depressive symptoms and life satisfaction—only one of them mattered. Self-continuity showed a strong negative association with depressive symptoms (β = −0.43, p < .001) and a positive association with life satisfaction (β = 0.17, p < .01). Self-regulation, despite being robustly linked to smartphone use, was not significantly associated with better mental health in the model. In other words, it is not simply the sense of control or discipline that protects psychological well-being; it is the behaviors that keep older adults connected to their enduring interests, relationships, and identity across time.

This distinction carries real weight for anyone thinking about healthy aging. Depression in later life is a serious clinical concern, with systematic reviews documenting close ties between depression and frailty among older adults. If behaviors that sustain self-continuity can meaningfully lower depressive symptoms and raise life satisfaction, then understanding how to encourage such behaviors becomes a public health matter, not just an academic one. And the smartphone connection suggests that digital technology—often portrayed as a threat to the well-being of seniors, or as a domain where “digital ageism” excludes and marginalizes older adults—may in fact be a powerful ally.

The findings arrive amid a growing body of evidence on technology and aging well. Studies in China and Korea have reported that internet and smartphone use among older adults is associated with reduced depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and greater social participation. Researchers have proposed theoretical models linking successful digital engagement to combating ageism, and surveys in Japan itself show that smartphone adoption among seniors continues to rise year over year. The new study adds an important psychological mechanism to this picture: smartphones may benefit mental health not only by connecting people socially or providing information, but by enabling the specific behaviors that keep an older person’s sense of self youthful and continuous.

The authors are careful about the limits of their work. The study is cross-sectional, meaning it captures a single moment in time and cannot establish whether smartphone use causes Feeling Younger Behavior or whether people who already feel and behave younger are simply more inclined to embrace technology. The sample, while reasonably sized for a structural model, consisted of Japanese adults surveyed online—a group that may skew toward those already comfortable with digital tools. The researchers also note that their datasets, collected in Japanese, are not publicly available but can be requested from the corresponding author. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural studies will be needed to confirm the direction of the relationships and to test whether the FYB construct generalizes beyond Japan.

Even with those caveats, the conceptual contribution is substantial. By defining and measuring Feeling Younger Behavior, Haraguchi and Fujiu have given researchers a new instrument for investigating how subjective age is maintained through action rather than perception alone. The two-factor structure—self-continuity and self-regulation—offers a framework for distinguishing between behaviors that merely occupy time and behaviors that genuinely nourish the aging self. And for practitioners designing interventions, digital literacy programs, or community services for seniors, the message is concrete: technology adoption programs for older adults may pay psychological dividends when they help seniors stay engaged with the people, pursuits, and routines that make their lives feel continuous and, in a very real sense, young.

As populations gray across the globe, the question of how to help people not just live longer but live better has never been more urgent. This study offers a quietly radical reframing: feeling young is not a fortunate accident of temperament, but something older adults can actively practice—every day, in small behaviors, sometimes with a smartphone in hand.

At the core of their investigation lies the concept of self-aging attitudes. This refers to the perceptions and beliefs individuals hold regarding the aging process, which can significantly affect their psychological well-being. Positive self-aging attitudes are generally associated with optimism and resilience in older adults, enabling them to adapt more effectively to the changes that accompany aging. Conversely, negative beliefs about aging can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, potentially exacerbating mental health issues.

The study by Li and colleagues emphasizes the alarming prevalence of social isolation among older adults in China, a phenomenon that has critical implications for public health policy. Social isolation can stem from various factors, such as the loss of family members, retirement, and limited mobility. With social bonds weakening, many older individuals may find themselves living in silence, cut off from vital social interactions and emotional support systems. This state of isolation not only hampers mental health but can also enhance the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

In a society increasingly oriented towards digital connectivity, the role of the internet cannot be understated. Internet self-efficacy, defined as an individual’s confidence in using the internet, becomes an essential factor when addressing social isolation. Those who possess higher levels of internet self-efficacy are more likely to engage with digital platforms, making them effective tools for socialization. As older adults develop their digital skills, they may find new ways to maintain connections with friends and family, ultimately countering feelings of loneliness and despair.

Moreover, the use of social media represents a significant avenue for combating social isolation. By actively participating in online communities, older adults can foster relationships, access support networks, and share their experiences with others in similar situations. The research findings indicate a positive correlation between active social media use and decreased feelings of isolation, suggesting that encouraging older adults to embrace these platforms may provide an effective remedy for their social challenges.

While the advantages of being connected through the internet and social media are becoming clearer, the researchers also identified potential barriers to this connectivity. Issues such as lack of access to technology, varying levels of digital literacy, and even apprehension towards adoption linked with age can hinder older adults from fully benefitting from online social interactions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for policymakers and community leaders, who must devise strategies to support older individuals in becoming adept at navigating digital landscapes.

With the mediation of internet self-efficacy and active social media use, the study underscores an important narrative: older adults can reshape their aging experience by tapping into modern technology. It presents a paradigm shift in how society perceives aging, from a phase characterized by decline to one that embraces growth, community engagement, and continued learning. Through the lens of Li et al.’s findings, it becomes evident that empowering older adults with skills and confidence in technology can lead to a more fulfilling and integrated lifestyle.

Furthermore, the implications of these findings extend beyond individual well-being. Enhancing the social lives of older individuals may also lead to broader societal benefits, including reduced healthcare costs associated with loneliness and its related health issues. Engaged and fulfilled older adults are less likely to require extensive medical care, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

In conclusion, the research conducted by Li, Niu, and Yuan significantly contributes to our understanding of the relationship between aging, technology, and social well-being. It highlights the importance of adopting positive attitudes towards aging and harnessing the power of technology to build social connections. As we continue to evolve in an increasingly digital age, fostering an environment where older adults can thrive is essential. Encouraging digital literacy and creating supportive communities not only addresses the pressing issues of social isolation but also redefines what it means to age in today’s world.

A call to action emerges from this research: for stakeholders across various sectors, from healthcare professionals to community organizations, to recognize and leverage the potential of technology in enriching the lives of older adults. By advocating for enhanced access to technology and promoting digital engagement, we can contribute to a future where aging is not synonymous with solitude but rather with connection, empowerment, and vibrant living.

Empowering our elders through technology-driven socialization is not just a personal benefit; it’s a societal imperative that requires collective action and empathy. With sustained efforts, we can pave the way for transformative change in the social landscape of aging, leading to healthier and happier lives for older generations.

Subject of Research: Self-aging attitudes and social isolation among older adults in China

Article Title: Self-aging Attitudes and Social Isolation Among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Internet Self-efficacy and Active Social Media Use

Article References:

Li, K., Niu, G., Yuan, Z. et al. Self-aging Attitudes and Social Isolation Among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediating Roles of Internet Self-efficacy and Active Social Media Use.
J Adult Dev (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-025-09538-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s10804-025-09538-6

Keywords: aging, social isolation, internet self-efficacy, social media, older adults, China, gerontology, technology, mental health.